About
The LFC Toolkit is a resource to support communities of all sizes and varieties in lead hazard elimination. Louisville, KY demonstrates practical applications of the strategies, tools, and resources outlined in the Toolkit.
Community Story
In 2022, Louisville approved an ordinance to create a Lead-Safe Housing Registry, which requires landlords to remove lead-based hazards from rental units. When landlords register their properties, they must conduct a lead-hazard risk assessment and remove any hazard that is found within 60 days. Currently, almost 18,000 children in Louisville live in housing that has a higher risk of lead poisoning, making the registry a useful tool for lead poisoning reduction in the city. Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness's (LMDPHW) years of deliberate and strategic community engagement resulted in the adoption of this policy. The registry may serve as a model for local public health leaders seeking to build momentum and demand for lead-safe policies at the community level.
A Policy of Constant Community Engagement
Louisville's public health officials adopted a policy of constant community engagement, never turning down an opportunity to speak to the public about lead hazards in their community. Through this deliberate and persistent approach to direct engagement with community members, public health leaders connected with a Louisville councilwoman who then sponsored the Lead-Safe Housing ordinance.
Partnering with Community-Based Organizations
In addition to conducting their own outreach, the health department partnered with an established community-based organization to help the health department connect and build trust with the community and to demonstrate their commitment to health equity. Importantly, the health department paid the partner organization for their work to bring community members on board with government policy.
Building Community Demand for Lead-Safe Policies through Mass Outreach
Once a foundation of community awareness had been established and an ally on the city council had been identified, public health officials worked to implement a mass outreach strategy to broaden community demand for policies to reduce lead exposure hazards. Resources were invested on focused outreach and materials, such as billboards, to continue to build momentum for the enactment of policies to reduce lead exposure hazards. This outreach and engagement campaign helped power the momentum behind the eventual passage of the Lead Safe Housing Registry Ordinance.
Key steps taken:
- Developed a deliberate set of goals and strategies for outreach and community engagement to build support for your lead program and policies to reduce lead exposure hazards.
- Utilized an opportunity to engage with community members to bring lead into the spotlight.
- Shared clear policy objectives when an ally in government takes interest in lead.
- Partnered with established community-based groups to reach as many members of the community as possible. Find ways to compensate or support these allies and partners in exchange for their work on your behalf.